Prospect Profiles: Lane Zablocki, Ben Jones & Matteo Pietroniro

Candice Ward

Lane Zablocki, RW, Red Deer Rebels, WHLHeight: 6’0”Weight: 184 lbs.Shoots: RightBorn: December 27, 1998 - Wetaskiwin, Alberta, CanadaDraft: 2013 WHL Draft – Round #5 (109th overall) by the Prince George CougarsLane Zablocki is one of those character players every team likes to
have. He can play top line duty or fourth line minutes depending on how
the team is doing. Mixes skill with toughness and is not afraid to get
his nose dirty. He has trouble staying consistent but has surpassed the
25-goal mark and will finish with 100+ penalty minutes. Likes to park
himself in front of the net and dig for rebounds and wreak havoc for
opposing defencemen. Has a quick release when he shoots but is also a
playmaker who likes to look for his streaking linemates down the ice.
Has good speed for his size but could spend more time battling in the
corners to be more effective along the wall.

DID YOU KNOW? Originally drafted by Prince George, Zablocki
never played a game for the Cougars and was traded to the Regina Pats
prior to the 2015-16 season for Boston Bruins prospect Jesse Gabrielle.
Zabloci was traded again to Red Deer in a 2017 trade deadline
blockbuster with Regina which featured Anaheim Ducks prospect Josh
Mahura headed to the Pats.

Terry Wilson / OHL Images

Ben Jones, C, Niagara IceDogs, OHLHeight: 6’0”Weight: 187 lbs.Shoots: LeftBorn: February 26, 1999 – Waterloo, Ontario, CanadaDraft: 2015 OHL Draft – Round #1 (7th overall) by the Niagara IceDogsBen Jones is a productive forward who makes the most of his time
wearing out defenders in the offensive zone. Jones is a balanced skater
who has mobility in all four directions. He has quick, agile hands in
tight and can stickhandle in and out of traffic. Has a unique skill set
and likes to showcase his offensive ability to deepen the offensive
attack and may try to do too much by himself at times. Plays the role of
agitator and likes to get under the skin of opponents. A two-way centre
who has good success in the face-off circle and as a former defenceman,
he understands the importance of helping out in your own end. Likes to
compete hard in the dirty areas and continues to build his strength to
be effective below the goal line.

DID YOU KNOW? Jones is a competitor who has seen his point
totals soar to 50+ after only scoring five goals and nine points his
rookie season on an extremely deep Niagara team that went all the way to
the OHL Finals, coming up short to the London Knights.

Denis Thibault

Matteo Pietroniro, D, Baie-Comeau Drakkar, QMJHLHeight: 6’0”Weight: 178 lbs.Shoots: LeftBorn: October 20, 1998 – Boise, Idaho, United StatesDraft: 2014 QMJHL Draft – Round #4 (66th overall) by Blainville-Boisbriand ArmadaMatteo Pietroniro is a real gritty, heart and soul type of player who
has quickly taken on a leadership role and plays an offensive role from
the blue line. Developing a good shot and has worked on his quickness
and foot speed. Will get his nose dirty in the corners and clears the
front of his net. Has a strong first pass on the breakout and will
sacrifice his body blocking shots. Has a mean streak and has been known
to drop the gloves. Comes from a background of family playing in the
QMJHL and older brother Chad recently graduating after 71 games with Val
D'Or, Baie- Comeau and Sherbrooke.

DID YOU KNOW? Pietroniro grew up in Boise, Idaho and around
the age of five moved to Arizona but only started playing hockey at a
high level when he relocated to Val D’or when he was 14 and was drafted
by Blainville-Boisbriand in the 2014 QMJHL Draft. His Father was born in
Montreal and Pietroniro and his three brothers are dual citizens and
have all either played Major Junior or will in the future.

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